This chapter is a short one but it's more like a filler, something I need to put in before the next part of the story. This is also where I start to deviate a lot from my previous story so let me know how it is!
The Immortal Hero
Chapter 6
The Fellowship was all set to leave and had packed their belongings into light-weight but sturdy boats. Tegalad stood next to Haldir while they watched the eight companions leave. Galadriel had given each traveler a cloak as well as an individual gift that was special to each of them.
It had been decided the night previously how they would organise themselves in the boats. Legolas, Aragorn and Boromir were the only ones in the group who could row so they had split up around them. Frodo and Sam were going with Aragorn, Merry and Pippin with Boromir, and Gimli with Legolas.
Shadow sat at Tegalad's side, obviously wanting to go with the eight, but just as obviously wanting nothing to do with the water. Hedwig was sitting on Vanya's shoulder, content with where she was. Tegalad was going to stay with Haldir and Vanya for a while, just until he made his decision. He wanted to practice his Fire Jumping, and become good at it, before he left the safety of Lothlorien. He wanted to have an escape ready, and he really didn't want to go near the river.
Haldir had promised to help him train after the Fellowship had left, and Vanya had promised to look after Hedwig and Shadow while he was practicing.
Tegalad liked Vanya very much. She looked like Haldir's opposite, with her dark brown hair and warm disposition. Her hair was curly and danced around her slim body whenever her head moved. Her eyes were green with flecks of brown in them, reminding Tegalad of a forest whenever he caught her gaze. She was a few inches shorter than Haldir and always had a smile on her face. Yet despite how different the two appeared to be, Tegalad knew that Haldir and Vanya loved each other more than life itself.
"They're about to leave Little One," Haldir murmured softly. "Go and say goodbye and then we'll start on your…Fire Jumping."
Tegalad grinned, knowing that the elf found the name for his ability childish and unnecessary. He walked forward towards the Fellowship, slipping by other elves without being noticed. Boromir was the first to notice him and despite not understanding what each other was saying, managed to say goodbye with a quick hug. Tegalad liked Boromir. He imagined that the man would make a good father in time, but currently acted like a fun uncle, or at least, acted like how Tegalad thought an uncle should.
Aragorn was next in line, and Tegalad was really sad to see the man leave. Aragorn was a kind man, always available to talk to and protective of children. He never did something half-heartedly. Tegalad hoped that if his own father had been alive, he would have acted just like Aragorn did.
"You stay safe alright?" the man whispered in his ear. "When all this is over I'll come back to see you again."
"Until we meet again," Tegalad replied with a small smile. If he mastered his Fire Jumping that time might be a lot sooner than the man thought.
Legolas ruffled Tegalad's hair with a smirk. He pretty much relayed the same message Aragorn had before stepping back and allowing each of the Halflings their chance to say goodbye. Pippin appeared to be the saddest of the lot but still managed to smile and give him a hug goodbye.
Gimli had clapped him on the shoulder and gruffly wished him luck which Legolas had translated for him. Tegalad gave the once again armored dwarf a quick hug before he went to stand next to Lady Galadriel and wave at their retreating backs as the sailed down the river. Once they were out of sight he went back to find Haldir, dodging around other elves.
Haldir smiled at the expectant expression and kissed Vanya's cheek quickly before leading the child off to an empty part of the forest. Not really knowing what he was supposed to do, Haldir merely supervised Tegalad while he jumped through fire in various directions and distances. He also carried him back when he fell asleep in exhaustion.
By the third day Tegalad could jump without any sign of exhaustion and had even surprised Haldir by taking him with him. The experience had been terrifying for the Marchwarden and he had kindly asked the child to not do it again. Tegalad had nodded seriously before dragging him the long way back to their tree.
Vanya spoiled Tegalad whenever she could, mainly with food, but she also would tuck him in at night and sing to him. Tegalad enjoyed the attention and saw the woman as a favourite aunt and Haldir as a favourite uncle.
Hedwig also enjoyed the elves' company and loved Vanya as much as she loved Tegalad. Shadow, on the other hand, was often wondering around with a lost expression on his face. Tegalad knew that the wolf wanted to be out with the Fellowship, finding the lifestyle of the elves too quiet and peaceful.
So it was after lunch on the third day after the Fellowship had left that Tegalad went to talk to Lady Galadriel again.
He found her once again in the little garden staring at the flowers. Tegalad went to stand next to her and followed her gaze to the flowers. They really were beautiful, a creation of pure beauty and innocence sprouting up from the cold ground.
"You wish to go after the Fellowship," Galadriel murmured after a while. Tegalad nodded. "Very well. But remember that you will always be welcome here, no matter how long it takes for you to return."
"Are you angry?" Tegalad asked sadly.
"No child," Galadriel said as she knelt down to be at his height. "I am sad to see you leave, but I know you will be back someday, and that makes me happy. So go and pack your belongings and say goodbye. I will be waiting here for you and whoever is going with you."
Tegalad smiled and ran off to get his things. He knew Shadow would be coming with him, but he was reluctant to bring Hedwig into danger when she was clearly happy in Lothlorien with Haldir and Vanya. He decided that Hedwig could be used to bring messages to and from the Fellowship by the elves. So that way she'd have somewhere safe to go, but could still visit him when she could.
"Haldir, Vanya, are you here?" he asked when he got to their living space. He spotted Hedwig on one of the tree branches and called her down softly. She sat on his arm regally, knowing what was wanted of her without having to be asked.
"You'll look after them for me right?" he asked quietly. "And when someone has a message for us you can come and find me, because no one else could."
Hedwig hooted proudly and puffed her chest out. Tegalad laughed and sent her off to get Shadow while he packed and said goodbye to Haldir and Vanya.
"Tegalad? What's wrong?" Vanya asked as she came in sight.
"I'm here to say goodbye," Tegalad said softly. "I've decided that I'm going to go after the Fellowship, with Shadow by my side."
"No!" Vanya said in shock. "It's too dangerous! You're just a child still! Don't go, please."
Tegalad lowered his head sadly but refused to back down. He spotted Haldir behind his wife and knew he had heard what he said.
"I came here for a reason," he explained. "Lady Faelwen brought me here to recover and gave me the choice of staying with the elves, or joining the war. I can make a difference, and I have some abilities that the enemy doesn't know about. Besides, I will be underestimated, and that gives me an advantage."
"But you're a child!" Vanya protested. "Why is it you?"
"The Valar have a reason for everything," Tegalad replied, echoing Galadriel. "Lady Galadriel knows and has given me her blessing."
Vanya still looked undecided but Haldir merely bowed his head in acceptance. He knelt down in front of the child and pulled him into a hug. Tegalad stiffened in shock before quickly hugging the elf back.
"You have not recovered completely," he warned. "There is a magic in these woods that prevents evil from entering, but once you're gone you will be on your own, you will have to deal with any nightmares by yourself."
"I know," Tegalad replied. "But I'll have Shadow with me. I won't be completely alone." Haldir nodded and drew back, only to be replaced with Vanya who hugged him as if she'd never see him again. Tegalad hugged her back and whispered comforting words in her ear.
"I'll be back, I promise. And you have to look after Hedwig for me. She can bring me messages if you want to write, I'll have to get someone else to read them for me and get them to write a reply for me, but it's the thought that's there. I'll see you again, I promise."
Vanya nodded and pulled back. She stood next to Haldir and smiled shakily. Hedwig landed on her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek in comfort. Shadow appeared at Tegalad's side, expectant and excited. Tegalad smiled at him before he went to his room to grab a bag full of his belongings.
In it he packed his clothes and two daggers Haldir had gifted him with the day before. He put some food on top and filled a bottle with water before placing that down the side of the bag. The last item he grabbed was the blanket he had been using during his stay. It was warm, light and comfortable, and it went at the top of the bag.
After a last goodbye to Haldir and Vanya, Tegalad ran to where Galadriel was waiting for him, Shadow at his side. Galadriel had some more belongings for him, including a cloak like the Fellowship had been given, and a necklace with a jeweled leaf hanging from it. The leaf rested on his chest and gave him a sense of warm comfort.
"When you wear this necklace, you will never be alone," Galadriel explained. "Keep it safe."
"I will My Lady," Tegalad replied nodding his head. He threw the cloak around his shoulders and attached his bag on top of it. He lifted the hood of the cloak over his face and straightened his shoulders.
"Remember Little One," Galadriel said as he wrapped his arms around Shadow's neck. "You will always have a home here should you need it."
"Thank you My Lady," Tegalad murmured before concentrating on his elemental magic. Gathering it around him and Shadow he closed his eyes and disappeared from Lothlorien, as prepared as he could possibly be for what awaited him when he opened his eyes.
It's very noisy, was the first thought to cross his mind. The sound of battle penetrated his awareness, the cries, the sound of swords, the twang of a bow and the faint sound of a horn in the distance.
Tegalad opened his eyes and released Shadow, standing up as he did so. He had landed in an empty area, surrounded only by trees, but he could see black shadows moving passed the trees, weapons raised above their heads as they ran to where the battle was taking place. Shadow growled at them and with a glance at the elfling, started to move forward. Tegalad nodded at him and soon the two of them were running in silence, the sound of battle getting louder.
The two of them burst into a clearing undetected and froze at the sight before them. Boromir stood alone amongst enemies, his sword hacking at any that came close. But it was clear he was overwhelmed. In his left hand was his horn and he was using it to call for help, but there was no help in sight…except for Shadow and Tegalad.
Tegalad saw one of the black creatures raise a bow and aimed it at Boromir. In horror, sensing that death would be close at hand, Tegalad darted forward in front of Boromir as an arrow was released. Using his forgotten Seeker reflexes Tegalad reached out and caught the arrow head, his arm swinging around with the force of the shot, and dropped it on the ground. The arrow had broken his skin and his blood flowed from the deep, jagged wound.
Hissing through his teeth, Tegalad summoned his sword and joined Boromir in forcing back the black creatures. Boromir, having stood frozen for a split second at the arrival of the cloaked figure, returned to fighting, determined to confront his savior after the battle was done.
The creature raised its bow again, this time aiming for Tegalad. The elfling saw the raised bow, but he had also seen something the creature hadn't…Shadow. The wolf had moved around the fighting and ended up behind the bow-man. With a mighty shove, Shadow collided with the back of the creature, causing it to lose its balance, the arrow shooting up higher than intended and hitting one of its own fighters.
Aragorn turned up after that and took care of the bow-man for them. With the main threat taken care of, Tegalad was able to focus on defending himself without distractions. It was shortly after that the battle ended.
Tegalad watched as the black creatures started to run away, their leader having lost his head to Aragorn's blade. His sword disappeared when he let it go and he turned around to see the state of the Fellowship.
Boromir was on the ground, his face pale with tears in his eyes. Aragorn was next to him, the tone of voice he used when talking with him comforting and reassuring. Legolas and Gimli were standing not too far away, looking at Shadow in confusion. Tegalad smiled when he realised that they hadn't seen him. Boromir had, but he probably hadn't seen Shadow and hadn't connected the two of them.
His grin faded when he looked at his hand however. It was still oozing blood and it hurt, a lot. Holding the sword had aggravated the wound and caused his hand to become one large smudge of dark red. He clenched his hand as much as he could but straightened it out again almost instantly; the pain had caused tears to appear in his eyes and a soft gasp to escape his lips.
Shadow's head shot up and he bounded over, alerting the Fellowship to his presence. The wolf licked his hand worriedly and Tegalad pulled it away with a forced smile. He used his left hand to rub the wolf's nose and scratch his ears fondly.
"Tegalad?"
Tegalad looked up into the worried face of Aragorn and subtly hid his hand behind his back, taking off his hood with his left one. He grinned sheepishly before focusing again on Shadow.
"Before you get angry at me, you should know that Lady Galadriel knows I'm here," he said before the man could say anything else. "She even gave me her blessing."
"How'd you get here?" Aragorn asked in confusion. "I'm sure one of us would have noticed you."
"I Fire Jumped," Tegalad murmured. He looked up, mischief in his eyes. "Watch closely."
With a quick glance around he Fire Jumped next to Boromir, who was still on the ground, and bowed to Aragorn who had looked around wildly for him. Shadow barked in laughter while Tegalad smiled broadly. The members of the Fellowship were amazed and crowded around him, all talking at once. Tegalad smiled at them, not understanding a word of what they were saying, but yelped when he felt someone's hand grab his wrist.
He spun around to see Boromir staring at his bloody hand in horror. He said something to the others and held up his hand for them all to see. Tegalad tried to get free but Boromir's grip was strong and wouldn't relent.
"Tegalad, why didn't you say anything?" Aragorn asked. Tegalad looked at him in confusion and slight pain.
"About what?" he asked as he tried to get free.
"Your hand," Aragorn answered slowly as if he was explaining something to a child, which he was, the elfling thought distantly. Tegalad shrugged and stopped struggling.
"No one's ever cared before," he replied. "Why should they now?"
Aragorn and Legolas looked at each other before translating for the others. Boromir startled the child by pulling him into a hug and saying something to him. Legolas translated for him as he put a hand on the child's back.
"We care. If you're ever hurt, we want you to tell us. That way we can help you before it becomes too serious for us to heal. You're not alone here."
Tegalad looked around as much as he was able to. He was confused but at the same time he wanted to believe what they were saying. He had never completely trusted an adult before, but now he wanted to. It was all so confusing.
Aragorn took his hand gently and swore. At least, Tegalad assumed he had sworn as the tone he used was one he used himself when he swore. Aragorn poured water on the wound, eliciting a flinch and a whimper from Tegalad that he hadn't been able to repress. Boromir held him tightly, not allowing him to move until his hand was bandaged up. He spoke with Legolas and Legolas asked Tegalad a question.
"Did you really catch an arrow?"
"It would have hit him I hadn't," Tegalad murmured as he tried to ignore the pain coming from his hand.
"But how?" Legolas asked.
"With my hand," Tegalad replied sarcastically. His hand really hurt.
"I meant, how did you react so fast? An arrow is a really quick weapon if aimed right," Legolas amended with slightly red cheeks. Aragorn chuckled softly.
"Had to learn how to be quick," Tegalad murmured as he felt a bandage being wrapped around his hand. "Wouldn't have lasted long without knowing how to duck."
No more questions came after that. Aragorn quickly finished with his hand and he was allowed to stand on his own after that. Boromir took his uninjured hand and started to lead him back to the river. Looking around, Tegalad noticed that there was no sign of the Halflings. He asked where they were.
"Frodo and Sam are on their way to Mordor alone," Aragorn replied. "They crossed the river while we were distracting the Uruk-hai. Merry and Pippin however…well Boromir says they were taken when he was overwhelmed."
"Are we going after them?" Tegalad asked worriedly. He liked Merry and Pippin.
"We'll decide when we get back to the campsite," Aragorn explained. "We'll also have something to eat before we start."
"I ate before I came," Tegalad said quickly.
"Nevertheless, you will eat again, you are still too thin."
Tegalad pouted but didn't protest. He knew he was underweight and looked a lot younger than he should. He looked behind them at Legolas and Gimli who were arguing about something. He cocked his head in confusion but tripped on a root and would have fallen if Boromir hadn't had a grip on his hand.
"I want to go after Merry and Pippin," Tegalad told Aragorn. "They're in more danger than Frodo and Sam, they could be killed."
"Saruman wants them alive," Aragorn said reassuringly. Tegalad shuddered. He imagined that he'd heard that before, and hadn't liked the outcome of it at all.
"That may not be a good thing," he murmured. He was given confused and concerned looks but he ignored them and remained silent until they got to the river side. He repressed a shudder at the large quantity of water and sat near the bags, watching as the two men, one elf and one dwarf began packing all necessary items and abandoning the rest into the small boats and pushing them over the waterfall.
Tegalad stared in horrified fascination as the boats, deceptively strong, were thrown over the side of the waterfall to disappear in the churning waters below. The four companions spoke together, tossing ideas around as they strapped their belongings to their backs. Tegalad knew they would go after Merry and Pippin otherwise they wouldn't have gotten rid of their transportation. He was getting tired, but was determined to run with the group for as long as he was able. The Fire Jumping and battle had taken a lot of his energy but he would be fine after he rested.
Shadow was waiting patiently at his side, eyeing the water with dislike, but ready to spring up once the word was given. It was given in the way of Aragorn who had knelt down in front of them and explained that they would be running after the Uruk-hai. Tegalad nodded and stood up. He would run as far as he could.
"We'll run until sunset and then we'll rest until sunrise. It's too dangerous to track our enemy in the dark, and it's also difficult to spot their tracks without light."
Tegalad nodded his understanding and started to jog alongside Shadow as the group moved out. Aragorn and Legolas led the group with Boromir and Gimli coming along behind. Tegalad was in the middle so that they could keep an eye on him and make sure that he didn't fall behind.
They ran for what felt like hours. Tegalad watched as the sun fell across the sky as the group varied between walking quickly and running. His energy levels were quickly falling and he didn't think that he would be able to keep moving forward for much longer. He was shocked when he felt two strong arms lift him off the ground and cradle him against an armored chest. He looked up into Boromir's face and smiled gratefully before slipping off to sleep instantly.
Tegalad woke up in his dream forest. He looked around eagerly for Lady Faelwen and was disappointed when he couldn't see her. He stood up from his reclined position and started to walk in any direction, hoping that he would see the elven lady again. But it was not to be as he ended up meeting a different elf, this one male.
His brown hair was completely straight without a hint of a curl in it. It hung down past his shoulders and ended midway down his back. Around his head he wore a golden crown that looked like an elegantly twisted rope. It served to hold his hair back and make him look even more regal than any other elf.
His eyes were golden brown and quite warm despite his face bearing little to no emotion on it at all. He also looked quite young, late twenties at most. Tegalad guessed that this must be one of Lady Faelwen's brothers she had spoken of. He bowed his head towards the elf and spoke clearly.
"Good day My Lord," he said. "Might Lady Faelwen be around?"
"My sister is busy at the moment, watching over your former world and making sure no more wars break out any time soon. She had me promise to look after you while she was away. So, here I am, and what a mess you've gotten yourself into."
"My Lord?" Tegalad asked, confused.
"Call me Saeldur, Little One," the elf said with a smile. "I was watching you with the elves in Lothlorien, and then later in that battle. You are a very good fighter I must say, must be something you brought with you across realms…"
"My Lo-Saeldur? Why do I feel different?" Tegalad asked. "I mean, I know I was tortured before coming to Middle Earth, and before that I had been trained to fight, but now that I'm here it's like I'm not me any more."
"You were Harry Potter, a hero, an idol, an enemy, a friend. Harry Potter was tortured, broken and killed. When Faelwen found you, you were minutes from death. To heal you, she made you an elfling. Your age, while you haven't changed, is still quite young for an elf and mentally you have not yet matured. Unless I'm mistaken, you've also lost some of your memories, or they've become blurry?"
"Yes My Lord," Tegalad admitted. "I remember what happened, but at times I think that it's something I've been told, not experienced."
"In time your memories will return," Saeldur explained. "But not for a while I should imagine. This gives you a chance to recover, and see that not all beings are like Voldemort or your uncle. I imagine that for a while you'll be uncomfortable around a large group of humans. Stay with the Fellowship if you're feeling overwhelmed, they'll protect you, especially Boromir. He'll be overprotective of you for a while."
"So I'll remember everything that happened to me?" Tegalad asked, ignoring the elf's last comment.
"Yes. Just don't be in a hurry to grow up. Elves don't mature completely until they're five hundred years old. You still have plenty of time to have fun."
"I'll try, but I don't really know how to have fun. I'm sure you've been told about my childhood, even if I'm only remembering bits of it."
"That I have, but look at it this way, you have plenty of time to make new memories."
Tegalad nodded at that. He didn't want to remember his time on Earth, but if it was inevitable, at least he could make better memories to block them out. He looked at Saeldur with a smile and, for the first time during their conversation, Saeldur smiled back. His expressionless face moved with emotion, making him look a lot younger than he first appeared to be, almost like a child in an adult body.
"Well Little One, it's time you woke up," Saeldur said in the silence, breaking across Tegalad's thoughts. "I'm sure you've worried your companions enough." Tegalad grinned again and turned to start running.
"Thanks Saeldur!" he called as he started to move. "I'll see you again someday!"
"That you will child," Saeldur murmured as Tegalad disappeared into the trees. "That you will."
What do you think? Let me know in a review. The more reviews I get the sooner I will update.
Next time...Fangorn Forest and Rohan. Ideas appreciated!